FitTrip Duke Fat Bike: ChooseMyBicycle.com Expert Review

The FitTrip Duke is built on a strong and sturdy Steel frame. Fat bikes do require ample amount of material on the frame to handle the bulky tires and the rough terrains it has to endure. The frame geometry on the Duke ensured the riding posture was comfortable on the back and elbows and wrists.

The suspension fork on the Duke is useful for climbing roadside curbs and bigger bumps as the broad tires absorb the smaller vibrations of the surface. The tall suspension fork also makes for an upright handlebar position.

This fat bike which I test rode came in a full Black coloured frame with Blue and Orange as the secondary colours for the decals and graphics. The graphics are minimal yet stylish. The seat tube has a unique dual tube design and it joins the bottom bracket which looks good and makes the bicycle look big. The fat tires have an artistic tread pattern design.

This Fat Bike comes with a Shimano Tourney TZ500 derailleurs at the front and rear with a 3x7 gear combination. These derailleurs are entry-level MTB components and performed well during the test ride. The gear shifting was smooth with no lags during the test ride. This 21-Speed range is more than sufficient for riding on slopes, long distances and also quick acceleration. The 21-Speed Shimano trigger shifters were easy to use.

The Mechanical Disc brakes from Bolids on the FitTrip Duke are a great component for braking on the roughest of surfaces. Even though the wheelsets are heavy, these brakes are quick to react and felt balanced as well.

The handlebar was perfect in length and made sure the rider is comfortable and finds it easy to turn the heavy wheels on roads, sand and flat trails.

Tires on a Fat Bike are the show stoppers as they are bigger and heavier than the average adult bicycle tire. The Duke rolls on a pair of 26” x 4.0” Fat Tires. These monster tires rolled nicely on flat urban roads and had a uniform tread design which provided good traction. To ride on the sand is the fun element on a Fat Bike and to do so comfortably one will have to reduce the tire pressure a bit to make sure the tires roll on the surface of the sand smoothly without sinking in the sand. The stock saddle was ergonomic in design to keep the rider comfortable on bumpy rides.